Author: Amy Hyder

It doesn’t feel real that this is my last blog, but I had to go out where it hits home. I’ve decided to make my last blog about home! I moved to New Hampshire in my first year of Middle School, and I can’t say that I don’t miss Florida. Port Charlotte, Florida was home for ten years, and I can’t ever see it as anything else. Florida is the sunshine state with rays that brown your skin and warms your smile. It’s home to many, but vacations to more.

Florida is known for being one of the most popular vacation spots. Why? I can tell you why right now.. it’s beautiful and filled with beaches! Port Charlotte, Florida is not one of the most popular spots in Florida, but I’m about to change that. Port Charlotte is a great vacation spot for those who may get lost because the locals are very friendly in this area, as most of them are families. Port Charlotte also has many beaches nearby within in an hour. Port Charlotte has ponds and lakes great for seeing alligators in their natural habitat, and is also great for fishing.

https://www.google.com/search?q=port+charlotte+florida&hl=en&authuser=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjn68W0i4rfAhWIb1AKHcVWAgAQ_AUIECgD&biw=1396&bih=657#imgrc=7cdL-QS9K1GI0M:

The beaches closest to Port Charlotte, Florida are Englewood and Boca Grand. They are both less than an hour away. They are great fishing, boating, and jet ski areas. I personally love them for different reasons. Englewood is a great place to bring families with children because not only do they have the sandy beach and ocean, they have a small water park/play pen for children. Boca Grand is my all time favorite because I have many memories of the many little islands off of this beach that my family and I would jet ski and boat to. It’s the best beach, personally, because there are many shark teeth all around the sands of the beach.

This is my beautiful mom soaking up the rays with her sunblock chapstick. She’s extremely happy in this environment. Our favorite memories of home were the days that we got to spend it alone together on an island off of Boca Grand. The palm trees are always blowing in the wind, and the sand always warms our feet. If there is any place in this world that I wish for everyone to experience, it’s Boca Grand Beach, Florida. If this place doesn’t bring you sunshine and smiles, I will personally reimburse you.

I hope you have great holidays, and that the sunshine state is on your list of places to go!

If you don’t understand the place that is known “down under”, it’s Australia! Australia is not only exciting for see kangaroos and koalas for the first time, but for soaking in their pristine waters and bathing that summer sun. Australia is known for different experiences among its areas, but Darwin promises year long summers. Who wouldn’t want that? The sun is pretty bad for you, but that’s why we have sunblock. Before traveling to Darwin and sitting in that piercing sun, I’d bring some sunblock, sunglasses, and maybe a sun hat because it will be sizzling!

https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/21-things-to-know-before-visiting-australia/

Unfortunately, from what I have learned, it’s less common to see their well known free animals all along Australia because of their cities developing as fast. Those who want to experience Australia for the animals must be closer inland, or near a wildlife park. There are no kangaroos or koalas roaming around as much anymore.

https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/21-things-to-know-before-visiting-australia/

If one is considering traveling to Australia with a phone to be used for more than pictures, my luck goes to you. There is little to no reception and a costly expense for internet. This wouldn’t mind me because when we get the chance to open our horizons to new experiences with a hot sun, clear waters, and beaches for miles, we don’t need our phones for entertainment.  I’m prepared to go offline, but I am not prepared for the shark infested waters. Australia places flags in their waters that all should stay in if they want a lesser chance of being face to face with the beautiful creatures that can be deadly (sharks).

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/beach-safety

Australia, I’m learning about you, and I can’t wait to see what I can’t read about. If it’s not the blazing sun or the luxurious waters, then I don’t know what could give. Australia sounds like a relaxing time offline, long waters where flags matter, and I’m bringing the sunblock. If anything, please learn more about Australia before deciding to travel there. I’ve never realized how much there is to learn, and it makes traveling there more comfortable.

If one has not seen the Fault in our Stars, then you wouldn’t know much about why Amsterdam was so special. Amsterdam, Netherlands was where Hazel met her favorite book’s author. She adored the book, but learned that she wasn’t fond of the author. This resulted in her having an open schedule to do other things while she was there. She visited the Anne Frank museum with Gus (her “friend”) and the author’s publicist. The Anne Frank museum was filled with Anne’s journal entries and pictures of her at the time of World War II.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1396&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=CAvqW8G0Go2d_QbY2pbQBg&q=anne+frank+museum+inside&oq=anne+frank+museum+&gs_l=img.1.0.0i67j0l8.2686.2686..3653…0.0..0.72.72.1……1….1..gws-wiz-img.pU1-2UrZC18#imgrc=ltJERqGD9giEHM:

It interested me to see that Anne Frank’s Museum was open for my eyes to see and more. It’s quite special to know and read about Anne Frank’s life, but to also have the visuals to guide you through how she felt in her writing. I’d love to travel some day to Amsterdam, Netherlands to see this in person. It’s a tour, open to the public, that exposes her life through this period of time that not many people here would understand, nor be able to speak on like Anne Frank. What makes Anne Frank’s story worth going to Amsterdam for is that I learned about Anne Frank around the age of when she was writing her journal entries. Our age was the same, but our lives were much different. I was able to feel for her, but I was never able to understand her life and what it was like for her. I could only begin to imagine, and I think visiting her museum would bring me a more sensible experience of her own.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1396&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=CAvqW8G0Go2d_QbY2pbQBg&q=anne+frank+museum+inside&oq=anne+frank+museum+&gs_l=img.1.0.0i67j0l8.2686.2686..3653…0.0..0.72.72.1……1….1..gws-wiz-img.pU1-2UrZC18#imgrc=XpPb_WqG9yEZyM:

Not only would I go to Amsterdam to see Anne Frank’s Museum, I would go to see Amsterdam. Amsterdam, Netherlands is full of culture, sites to see, and other museums like the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. There is just so much that interests me about going and experiencing other foods, festivities, and lives in other countries. I have to say that Amsterdam, Netherlands is on my list of historical places I must see before I go… HA! It’s amazing that our world has the history and sites it does. I’ve always felt that I’m stagnant to where I’m from (The U.S.), but there is just too much to see.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1396&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=DQvqW9bqFoqm_QaX1IygCQ&q=amsterdam%2C+netherlands&oq=amsterdam%2C+netherlands&gs_l=img.3..0l10.790808.843123..843238…1.0..0.75.1403.23……1….1..gws-wiz-img…….35i39j0i67j0i10i24.OA-xZNVh-zQ#imgrc=85M75U5K3fRayM:

If history doesn’t interest you, a night out in Amsterdam, Netherlands might. It’s full of beautiful views such as the one above. I think of Amsterdam, Netherlands and I just see stars and lights of beauty. Amsterdam, Netherlands, I’m coming.

When I consider traveling for vacation, living in New England, I prefer a warm place. Today I decided to look at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I’m looking at Punta Cana specifically for spring break. If I were to stay here, in New Hampshire during March (spring break), I would be enjoying 38 degrees as a low and 50 degrees as a high. You know the weather is like during March (spring break) in Punta Cana? Between 78 degrees and 80 degrees. I think that factors in itself that I would rather be there than in New Hampshire, regardless of the beauty of Punta Cana.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Punta+Cana,+Dominican+Republic&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiapJTTjcXeAhXGUt8KHXZmCf4Q_AUIFCgC&biw=1396&bih=657#imgdii=L8T8uiTKy1A95M:&imgrc=cpM3xoNJtZFyjM:

Punta Cana not only has the weather that everyone appreciates in New England, but it has the best color waters. No one wants to be in water where they can’t see their feet over being in water where you can. There are lots of creatures in the ocean! I’m just saying.. haha. Anyways, I was looking into staying at Excellence Punta Cana Adults – Only – All-inclusive. Their Junior Suite Gardenview, all-inclusive, offers unlimited premium and domestic alcoholic beverages, juices, and soft drinks. I should mention that this suite is $152 an adult per night, but meals such as breakfast, lunch, dinner (all at different restaurants), and snacks are also included! As my mom would say, when it’s unlimited everything, you’re saving money! They offer pool and beach waiters for this suite plan, and also offer water sports like windsurfing, sea kayaking, introductory scuba lesson in the pools, and water polo. I would love to do the introductory scuba lessons! My mom scuba dived on weekends that she wasn’t working at the hospital, and she always saw so many great oceanic creatures!

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1396&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=j1XkW8jQDY22ggfuorvACQ&q=Excellece+Punta+Cana%2C+Dominican+Republic&oq=Excellece+Punta+Cana%2C+Dominican+Republic&gs_l=img.3…951048.953654..953999…0.0..0.173.690.9j1……1….1..gws-wiz-img…….0i7i30j0i7i5i30.um0cU1mnAc0#imgrc=e_ClYErSmbwM_M:

Not only does Punta Cana drive my attention, it drives many others. It’s one of the top ten most popular places for college students during spring break ever. It’s a great place to split costs of stay between friends, and enjoy a few nights. Not only does it offer all that I mentioned before, but Excellence also has two outdoor swimming pools and two out door jacuzzi’s. Not only would I be there all day, they also have a swim-up bar for both pools. If I haven’t mentioned this very important thought after selling all of the bar opportunities with unlimited drinks, the drinking age is 18 years old folks. Go at it!

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1396&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=2FrkW5m8H4Sp_QaK04-oBA&q=swim-up+bar+at+Excellence+Punta+Cana%2C+Dominican+Republic&oq=swim-up+bar+at+Excellence+Punta+Cana%2C+Dominican+Republic&gs_l=img.3…30568.53020..53173…15.0..0.97.4139.71……1….1..gws-wiz-img…….0j35i39j0i67j0i30j0i8i30.iC6zTKs25oc#imgrc=ts3gPftatFMY-M:

After having the longest sophomore year I could ever imagine, I’m considering relaxing in Punta Cana over my spring break. If anyone else has the same idea, here’s a link of Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:

https://bookit.com/dominican-republic/punta-cana/hotels/excellence-punta-cana-adults-only-/

Ever had a team that you loved so much that you had to visit their city? Growing up in Florida, Boston was always such a dream, and Fenway was cloud nine. Regardless of where I lived, Boston Red Sox, was my team. I have always been such a huge fan of the city, and the teams that represented them. Boston shows so much diversity, yet is a city to everyone. There’s no place where I would rather freeze than Faneuil Hall. The food is delicious, the shops are very modern, yet there are little kiosks with Boston souvenirs such as t-shirts, hats, and key chains. It’s a market place, but it’s also Boston as we know it.

https://www.bostonusa.com/listings/best-of-boston-faneuil-hall-marketplace/10596/

As one may know, Boston, just celebrated the Boston Red Sox World Series Championship Parade in the middle of the city. Thousands came together to celebrate one team as a whole city. This is someone where I have to be in the future to come. I didn’t want to miss school, but I know that there will always be a next one when it comes to the Boston Red Sox. Being in this city for this celebration must feel so exhilarating and unforgettable. The team that represents this city, represents it with passion every time they step out onto that field. Boston Red Sox fans, especially in the city, are also very passionate about their team.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/best-photos-of-the-boston-red-sox-championship-parade/ss-BBPaugO?parent-title=red-sox-fans-damage-world-series-trophy-by-randomly-throwing-beer-cans&parent-ns=ar&parent-content-id=BBPbnHw&fullscreen=true

Boston, as a city, must’ve been on its toes throughout this World Series because it was surreal that the Boston Red Sox were going to win yet another one. Fans look forward to these parades because although they’re not on the field with them, they’re with them in the stadium and where ever they can be supporting them. They feel the win with the team, and its a gift to be able to celebrate it with them. Growing up feeling so passionate for one team has made me realize that we learn a lot more about teams than we think. I learned that a team represented more than just a name, but a city that is family. Boston is not where I come from, nor is it where most of the Red Sox players are from, but it’s who we represent in our hearts.

https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/10/29/boston-red-sox-world-series-champions-parade-size

I can’t tell if Boston is lucky to have the Red Sox, or if the Red Sox is lucky to have Boston. All I know is: THIS IS OUR F***ING CITY!

You know those lists that everyone makes of things they must do before they die? I don’t have one, but if I did, going to Alaska to see Gray whales during their migration period would be on it. Since forever I have always been interested in oceanic creatures, whales being my favorite. During the spring every year, Gray whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska for feeding. I have never seen whales in their natural habitat, but I know my first time has to be special.

Your probably wondering why I would go all the way to Alaska to see whales, but I have some reasons. I grew up in Florida, so my first time seeing my favorite oceanic creatures was in a swimming pool being told to “make a big splash” on me. It felt very special to me at the young age I was, but utterly unhappy when I grew up knowing it wasn’t humane. I have yet to pay for another whale show since, and I have not been able see any on my whale watches in Salisbury, Massachusetts either. It makes me feel like it just wasn’t the time or the place, never mind the right scenery.

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/alaska/alaska-whale-watching

Have you ever just looked at something, and knew you loved it/them/he/her? That’s how I feel about whales. Whales are these big and beautiful creatures that are so happy to be swimming hundreds of miles a day. I hope to one day go to Alaska and see them in their natural habitat, happy and feeling at home. Not too many people can say that they love whales enough to go over 4,000 miles away, but it’s worth every mile to me.

I’ve been looking into tours for Alaska because I know it has to be the right one. I found Kenai Fjords Tours, who have been touring whale watching cruises since 1974. It’s $89 an adult.. I think I can spare that change if I don’t think about the air travel cost. YIKES! I just miss the dates by a month for Plymouth State’s spring break, but they’re open for tours in may after school is out. I don’t know if I can make this happen, but it’s on my “list” of things I must do. Soon I’ll be seeing the whales, but for now I’ll be thinking of them.

If you have passion for cold weather, travel, or whales like me.. here is the link for the tour I’ve been blogging about in Alaska! Fingers crossed for me.

https://www.alaskacollection.com/day-tours/kenai-fjords-tours/gray-whale-watch-tour/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=KFT-s-destination-na&utm_term=alaska%20whale%20watching%20cruise&utm_content=Alaska%20Whale%20Watching%20-%20Exact

In the movie, Blended, with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, they go on a weird “blended” family trip to Africa. In the movie they experience romance and family bonding. Africa is a trip brought to both of them by a friend/boss for free! It was going to be a wasted trip, but if it’s kid friendly, it’s a go! Adam Sandler play Jim, who has three girls. Drew Barrymore plays Lauren, who has two boys. They spend their time in Africa running into each other as they end up sharing a room and a table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In Africa, they experience seeing many animals out in the wild, that I have typically seen in a zoo. I have to say, in my opinion, that it was amazing to see them run free in the wild and be in there natural habitat. The two families got to experience them up close and personal on a tour with gulf carts and ATV’s. On this tour they saw rhinos, giraffes, tigers, and elephants. Adam Sandler’s role even experiences a fake alligator attack, and Drew Barrymore’s character’s son got to ride an Ostrich with Adam Sandler’s character! It was  a crazy watch that only made me want to go to Africa more.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1086772/mediaviewer/rm3581070848

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1086772/mediaviewer/rm2519583488

I mean doesn’t that just look like so much fun? I wouldn’t miss out on seeing Africa. It is a beautiful place with wild animals, islands, and outrageous agriculture and architecture. I’m thinking of making this movie a reality with my family after I graduate. Unfortunately, I have to say, it’s the most expensive vacation I think any person could pay for wealthy or poor. It’s about $4,000+ a person. I’m a family of six… so maybe not. If you have a small family, or a family willing to pay the money, then consider Africa! This an experience I wish everyone could have, especially if they love going to the zoo.

More about Africa itinerary plans:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g6-Africa-Vacations.html

People just can’t get enough of Cancun, Mexico! I see it all the time all over social media that people are going here for spring break, a summer get away, and even a winter break getaway. Cancun, Mexico is absolutely breathtaking. It is a destination spot that accommodates for all visitors. There are outdoor adventures, family fun, peace and quiet, young and restless, and for those on a budget! Is that not wild or what?

Looking at what Cancun, Mexico holds, I know I will want to enjoy nature wonders, snorkeling, the underwater museum, boat tours and water shows, fishing, and swimming with dolphins is a must! If you can’t tell, I’m in love with water and all its creatures.

https://www.cancun.com/at-sea/swimming-with-dolphins

I know most people love the happy, bubbly, free living dolphins. So the above link will take you to more information about swimming with them while you are vacationing/visiting Cancun, Mexico. Swimming with these dolphins involves loads of affection between all their hugs and kisses. That’s not all! There is a whole bag of tricks to choose from when swimming with the dolphins. They have hand targets, which is when a dolphin comes from under water and taps your hand with their nose. They also have my dream swims like the Dorsal Tow (swimming with your hand on their Dorsal Fin, so they can pull you), and a Belly ride where they swim upside down pulling you gently around. Also a great way to get in some dolphin tummy rubs!

https://www.cancun.com/at-sea/swimming-with-dolphins

If the this dolphin excursion is enough for you to be interested in Cancun, Mexico on your next spring break, then it’s a must that you consider staying at Grand Oasis Cancun. It’s almost a five star rating with $266 being the price per night (not a lot with a big group of friends to split with). Not only can you split that price with a group of friends, but it’s an all inclusive stay! Pools are 1/4 of a mile long, with 14 bars, and 18 restaurants. My roommates are in this class, so if you see this for our discussion, are you guys down? These are great deals and well worth it after the long school year. Everyone needs a great relaxation every once in a while with their pals!

https://www.cancun.com/hotels/hotel/5f9a817/grand-oasis-cancun-all-inclusive-cancun/?

If you see any interest in this being where you want to be on your next vacation, here is the link for Cancun, Mexico (their number one site)!

https://www.cancun.com/?cid=sem::TPCUN::AW::PT-P00::0-pf-upper-funnel-cancun::cancun::cancun-mexico::exact&creative=%7bcreative%7d&device=c&AdPos=%7badposition%7d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=cancun-mexico&utm_campaign=0-pf-upper-funnel-cancun&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&msclkid=7fe3694f90201c82f01932f0100d3f59

I’m not sure if everyone can understand the irony in my title when referencing Disney, but I’m going to blog about Disney’s private Island this week, so my title felt appropriate. I grew up watching Hannah Montana (yeah, I know), That’s so Raven, and Wizard’s of Waverly Place on Disney channel. Right around this time of year, I would be begging my mom to let me stay up past 8 o’clock to watch Halloween Town the movie. It didn’t always happen, but when it did, it was special. Disney became such a big part of my family that we began saving for Disney cruises! The first Disney cruise we ever went on was beyond exciting. I had never been on a cruise before, nor had my little sister, and it was Disney movies all day long on this big screen surrounded by pools and hot tubs. We were able to see movies that had not reached theaters, like Wreck it Ralph, on this cruise which I have to admit was very exciting for my little sister and I.

The unique upper decks and the iconic Disney Cruise Line funnels are illuminated at night, making the Disney Dream a beacon on the high seas. When the sun sets, guests can even enjoy a unique experience on AquaDuck, combining the thrills of the first-ever shipboard water coaster with customized lighting and stunning views of the nighttime sky. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=disney%20cruise%20pictures

We ventured out for the Bahamas and for Disney’s Private Island one after another. Disney’s Private Island had to be my favorite because it was very Disney oriented. All of the umbrella’s spread out on the beach had Mickey on them. We spent five hours on the island just laying out, playing on the ropes course in the water, and swimming. It wasn’t a crowded island with residents or other cruise ships. It was an island for only those on the Disney cruise. Not only did they have this course, but they also had excursions. People could snorkel, paddle boat around the island, jet ski around the island, and even enjoy the many caves on the island. My mom even finished a 5k with her best friend and her best friend’s wife! I told them I would sit that one out while we were on vacation. “Sorry Not Sorry” as Demi Lovato would say (Sonny With a Chance).

CASTAWAY CAY, Bahamas (Jan. 14, 2015) – More than 700 runners cruised over the finish line during the inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge, a brand-new 5K event hosted by runDisney and Disney Cruise Line on Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. The event was the first of its kind to be held amid the lush palm trees and turquoise waters of a private island paradise, making it the ultimate tropical fun run in the sun. Participants earned an exclusive inaugural race medal to commemorate the event, which came on the heels of the annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. The experience was made complete during a four-night cruise aboard the Disney Dream which sailed from Port Canaveral, Fla., and featured special activities, speakers and merchandise designed exclusively for the Castaway Cay Challenge. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=disney%20private%20island

We had such a blast playing Disney trivia, watching Disney movies, eating Mickey Mouse shaped food, and reliving some very great Disney characters. If you watched Disney growing up and Disney world seems too expensive for two days, try a SEVEN day cruise that’s Disney theme 24/7. I promise it’s well worth the Disney jokes and fun. Look into it this year (2018) right below!

Top Cruise Deals (Disney Cruise Lines 2018):

http://www.top-cruise-deals.com/index.php?cruiseline=Disney&utm_source=msn_8ddc39ff88aa129016fa62484fce11e6&msclkid=8ddc39ff88aa129016fa62484fce11e6

Sometimes it’s a person, a smell, or a place that makes us feel like home. Outer Banks, North Carolina feels like home to me. I typically blog about these places that I’ve never been to, but this week I wanted to talk about how one place felt more like home than any other place in this world. I went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina after graduating with my family. I was leaving for college, and it was my last family vacation. I never knew one big family could do so many things in one week, but we managed happily.

In North Carolina we spent hours past the sand dunes on the beach embracing the rays of the sun, searching the long sea that never seems to end, waiting for the ghost crabs to come out at night, and sharing some of the best memories of growing up. It was such an unbelievable feeling for me to be somewhere so new, and feel like I’ve known it my whole life. North Carolina felt like home to me, and that wasn’t a feeling I knew to be so strong until I felt it. It was the safest feeling in the world, and I just knew that’s where home would be one day.

The sand dunes were like a little trail to what I see as heaven on earth: the beach. It was cold water like New England, but rays of sun as strong as Florida. Living in Florida, then moving here to New England, really conflicted me on where I’d like to settle with a family and a husband for the rest of my life. North Carolina, you are that place.

We had so many adventures that summer.  It was where I went on my first ferry boat ride with my little mermaid (my sister). It was where I walked the sand dunes for the first time. It was where I saw my very first ghost crab. All of these small things mean so much to me because it’s who I am. I love to travel, and in North Carolina I can take the Ferry to different islands. I love to be around the ocean and its graceful animals. I love being on those sand dunes, feeling the sand beneath my feet.

I look at my little sister and I just see so much happiness. She is a little traveler just like her big sister.  I call her my little mermaid. We were raised to be little mermaids, and we really were that summer. We spent hours in the water talking about where we would swim to if we were to ever be mermaids. I told her we could go anywhere, as long as we stopped in the Outer Banks of North Carolina first. By water, by bus, by plane, I’ll be home one day.